viol
/ˈvaɪəl/
noun
- A stringed musical instrument from the Renaissance and Baroque periods, typically held between the legs and played with a bow, similar to a cello but with a softer tone.
- In the concert, the viol section added a warm, mellow sound to the ensemble.
- He learned to play the viol after years of studying the cello.
- The musician played a haunting melody on her viol during the Renaissance fair.